The Little Miss Essence of Madison County and Pre-Teen Miss Essence of Madison County Pageant was held Sunday, Jan. 16, at the Madison County Central School Gymnasium. The pageant was held for young girls between the ages of 6-8 years old (Little Miss) and 9-11 years (Pre-Teen), who were competing for savings bonds, trophies, 8 x 10 portraits and other gifts.
Damesia McQuay was the winner of the Little Miss Competition.
Mykerria Williams was first runner-up and Zar’Reyon McDaniel was the second runner-up.
Ke’Shauni Johnson was the winner of the Pre-Teen Miss Essence competition. Janisya Cone was the first runner-up and Charmesia McQuay was the second runner-up.
Competing for the title of Little Miss were Nykerria Williams, Mykerria Williams, Zar’Reyon McDaniel, Damesia McQuay and Keosha Cuthbertson.
Competing for Pre-Teen Miss were Zorreya Lee, Ke’Shauni Johnson, Aaliyah Rowe, Ahyauna Jackson, Charmesia McQuay and Ja’Nisya Cone.
There was fun and entertainment for the entire family, as the contestants presented themselves to the audience during their introductions, modeling and styling, evening wear, individual talent and interview sessions. Each contestant was scored on a scale from 1 to 10 in each category by a panel of judges.
The pageant was opened by reigning Little Miss Essence, Kennedy Fogle, and the Pre-
Ke’Shauni Johnson, left, was crowned Pre-Teen Miss Essence 2011 and Damesia McQuay was crown Little Miss Essence 2011.
Teen Miss Essence, Desja Smiley, who introduced the Mistress of Ceremonies, Tawanna Christian, a sixth grade teacher at Madison County Central School. She also introduced the pageant committee, consisting of Minister Joe Rowe and his wife, Olisia, who coordinated t
he contestants’ group dance, along with LaTrail Smith.
Other committee members were Ralphine Ghent; Tina Rowe; Hattie Cherry; Talecia Solomon; Cynthia Rowe; Michael Robinson, music director; Deacon William Martin; Deaco
n Randy Ghent; Sandra Collier; and Oliver and Jackie Bradley.
Brother Jakarti Brown stirred the audience of over 200 with an inspirational prayer and song, after the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” were played, as the audience
stood in honor of God and country.
The theme for this year’s pageant was “In Living Color” and Miss Sasha Turner was the pageant photographer.
Pastor Bradley and the committee want to express appreciation and thanks to Principal
Sam Stalnaker and the staff at MCCS; School Superintendent Lou Miller and the Madi
son County School Board; Betty Everett and WMAF Radio; and all the parents, guardians, sponsors and patrons, who helped make the pageant possible.
The Junior Miss Essence and Miss Essence Pageant will be held Sunday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m. at the Van H. Priest Auditorium on the North Florida Community College campus.
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